DK Metcalf injury update: Steelers WR hospitalized in Baltimore after win over Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf spent Sunday night in the Baltimore area after a visit to a local hospital. The decision came after he experienced stomach pains on the team plane following the team’s 27–22 win over the Ravens, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

Metcalf was evaluated by team medical personnel. Out of an abundance of caution, he was transported to a local hospital before the Steelers departed for Pittsburgh.

The team announced through spokesman Burt Lauten that Metcalf remained hospitalized overnight, but he’s expected to return to Pittsburgh on Monday. The nature of the issue has not yet been disclosed, but the Steelers emphasized that the move was precautionary.

The timing of the medical scare came just hours after Metcalf delivered his best performance of the season. The veteran wideout torched Baltimore’s secondary for 148 yards on seven receptions.

He was winning matchups and giving the Steelers the offensive jolt they desperately needed throughout the contest following two straight losses. For Metcalf, who joined Pittsburgh this offseason after six years with the Seattle Seahawks, the breakout showing couldn’t have come at a more critical time.

The Steelers entered the weekend amid loud national scrutiny. Questions swirled around head coach Mike Tomlin’s job security after a pair of disappointing defeats.

Instead, the team responded with one of its grittiest efforts of the year. They leaned on Metcalf’s explosiveness to reclaim first place in the AFC North at 7–6.

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In his postgame remarks, Metcalf praised Tomlin’s leadership and the team’s ability to block out external criticism: “We knew not to pay attention to any outside noise,” Metcalf said, via the Daily Mail. “Coach T is a great leader for us, and he’s done nothing but take the bullets for us.

“Even when we’re high and when we’re low, he’s always come in every day, has been steady and stayed the same. Always motivated us to play our best ball. And that’s what he did last week. We knew what was at stake. First place in this heated rivalry, and the better team came on top.”

The Steelers now face a pivotal Week 15 matchup with the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. The extended rest should aid Metcalf’s chances of suiting up.

Pittsburgh has leaned on him more heavily as the offense continues to evolve. His availability will be key as the team pushes toward another postseason berth.

For now, the Steelers are optimistic that Metcalf’s hospital stay was precautionary. Hopefully Sunday’s medical scare won’t derail one of their most important offensive weapons heading into the stretch run of the season.